Dual Functionalisation of Cotton Fabrics by Using Punica Granatum Rind Extract

Abstract

In the present study, cotton fabrics are dyed with extracts obtained from the rinds of the pomegranate fruit, Punica (P.) granatum. The fabrics are then assessed for antimicrobial, dyeability and fastness properties. The colour strength (K/S) of the dyed fabric is assessed through a dyeability test. The finished fabrics are qualitatively assessed for antibacterial activity by the disc diffusion and parallel streak methods (AATCC 147) and quantitatively by the percentage reduction test (AATCC 100) against the test organisms, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The fabrics are also assessed for fastness properties, such as wash, light and rubbing fastness per AATCC standards. The fabrics are then finally subjected to wash durability tests. The dyeability results show that the fabrics dyed with P. granatum rind extracts have a high K/S value when compared with the untreated control fabric. The natural extract dyed fabric has prominent antimicrobial activity which is evidenced by a clear zone of bacterial inhibition in qualitative tests and bacterial reduction in quantitative tests whereas the control fabrics have no antibacterial activity. Wash durability testing shows that the antimicrobial activity of the fabrics is durable up to 10 wash cycles.

Citation

Balakumar, C., Rajendran, R., Kalaivani, J. and Sivakumar, R. (2012), "Dual Functionalisation of Cotton Fabrics by Using Punica Granatum Rind Extract", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 102-110. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-16-02-2012-B011